Strictly Business | Stephen Strange x F!Reader

Chapter 22 : I Don't Know About You

New Year's Eve. The promise of something new. New habits. New relationships. New Lives. New Everything.

It's the reset. Unless you chose the other option of not changing at all. Either you can't afford to change or you are content with what you have.

Something new basically meant change. And you were terrified of that.

What if you changed your mind about this relationship?

What if you mess it up?

How will you handle that kind of change?

What if Stephen changed his mind?

These questions continued to rush through you like a train. You weren't sure if you could tell him since something might trigger him to actually do what you were afraid of, though that wasn't really guaranteed.

You stare at the mirror, unsure of what you should do.

Your phone rings, startling you "Hello?" You pick it up "Let's go shopping!" Prue's cheery voice blasts through as you hear a car horn honking outside the Sanctum "Sorry Wong" You hear her apologize, knowing that Wong probably tried to scold her "Yeah, I'm on my way" You reply hanging up.

"Stephen? I have to go shopping with Prue, I'll be back tonight and we'll head off to the tower for the party" You kiss his cheek quickly as he kept his eyes on a book

"Have fun honey"

You wave him goodbye with a smile.

~~~

Your train of thought began to pass many stages as Prue rambled on and on about the party happening tonight "Gods, I can't wait for New Years- Y/n?" Prue stops rambling for a moment to look at you "Huh? Oh, yeah. I can't really say the same for me" You rub your hands together to ease your rising anxiety "Why is that? I mean you can tell me anything but if you don't want to..."

She reaches for your hand to comfort you. A thing you both had done for each other ever since high school "I... I don't know. Maybe I'm just overthinking but being in a newly established relationship is nerve wracking, a-and starting a new year together is basically screaming 'change'" It was your turn to ramble and Prue listened intently "I just don't want to lose something that just started. I might mess it up or what if he changes his mind?"

"Y/n look at me and listen carefully. You both are perfect for each other. Sure, you haven't been in a relationship at all but that doesn't mean it's gonna end in the same way as last time. If you think for a second he might change his mind, which is unlikely, I will throw you off a cliff for being an idiot" She points a threatening finger at you as you raise a brow "He would wait for you even if it meant he had to wait forever. He's committed to you"

A moment passes, "Do you understand?" She speaks again and you nod "Alright, let's get you a dress that would make Stephen fall head over heels for you again"

~~~

The room was packed with guests as you and Strange entered. He wore a simple navy blue tux while you wore a glittery black dress picked by Prue of course "You wanna get some drinks and dance for a bit?" He asks.

Stephen was never one for dancing, but after your first date and finding out how you loved dancing. He began to think dancing wasn't so bad.

You smile and nod softly as he leads you to the bar.

~~~

A few drinks later, couples began to gather around the dance floor, slow music being played in the background.

Stephen holds your hand as you both head to the dance floor.

His arms snake around your waist comfortably as your hands move over to his shoulders. Swaying along with the music.

This was all you needed, silent confirmation. But you knew your fear wouldn't calm down without vocal reassurance.

"How are you?" Stephen asks

"I'm great" This was the truth, but there was more you wanted to say. Instead you waited until you both were alone "Just a bit nervous for the New Year"

"There's no need for that, because I'll be here with you"

~~~

Ten minutes before the countdown, you and Stephen had left the party to go up to the rooftop.

Some fireworks were set off early, the glowing lights of New York being a light show in of itself "Stephen, can I ask you something?" His grip loosened as he held you close "What is it?" He pondered softly

"I... I might sound a bit weird when I say this but fuck it. I love you. I don't want to lose you. You're one of the only constants in my life that matter so much to me. I just hope it's the same for you"

Stephen stayed silent, slightly shocked at the confession but kept a calm expression. You loved him. Correction, you love him.

The silence soon made you nervous. Not sure if it was a good sign.

"Stephen?"

.....

"I love you too. So much in fact"

....

"More than I ever had"

...

You smile as you cup his face

..

Loud counting can be heard from below but you didn't care.

.

Your lips intertwined with his as the New Year began.

Just the way you wanted it.

~~~

This is confirmations that my expectations are just too high.

Anyways, thank you for reading Strictly Business! I'm really happy with how this turned out and I hopefully post anew book some time really soon.

Thank you again and I'll see you in the next one!

-Cautious 💚